Board members, family honor legacy of past Artpark president

Catherine
Schuyler Chambers Boericke, the first female president of Artpark,
passed away in December 2011. She was recognized by Artpark this past
summer.

Maureen
Kellick, director of marketing, public relations, and development for
Artpark & Company, notes that Boericke was the director of
Artpark "when Artpark & Company was still run by the state, not
when it became a non-profit." However, Boericke's humanitarian
contributions to the arts and achievements at Artpark still exemplify
Artpark & Company's mission.

Boericke,
an artist and humanitarian, was a sculptor and painter who assisted
the restoration of the Niagara Reservation Park. She worked to secure
better conditions for children with learning disabilities alongside
former New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller.

In
recognition of Boericke's indelible influence on Artpark, a
philharmonic performance at Artpark was dedicated to her memory.

At
hearing the news of Boericke's passing, the Artpark & Company
board immediately sought a way to recognize Boericke's vital role
in Artpark's history.

"(This)
season, the board chose a philharmonic performance to dedicate in her
memory," Kellick said.

Boericke's
achievements were shared with concert attendees, honoring this
historical figure who shaped many of Artpark's past achievements.

"There
was a stage announcement that day, which was dedicated in honor of
Catherine Schuyler Chambers Boericke," Kellick recalled.

Michael
Dowd, Lewiston attorney and a second-generation Artpark & Company
board member, commented that the performance at Artpark was packed
with the many co-workers, friends and family who were inspired by her
work.

"The
announcer (for the performance dedication) acknowledged that she was
a true benefactor and supporter of Artpark, serving five years as
president of Artpark & Company," he said. "A number of
Artpark members who sat on the board while Mrs. Boericke was active
were invited to the show and a reception."

Current
members who served with Boericke include Michelle Heffernan, and
current board of directors Chairman Christopher Brown and Artpark &
Company President George Osborne.